A Shadow Over South Africa's Elderly: The Tragic Plight of Vulnerable Citizens
Ramotse, Hammanskraal – The brutal murder of 84-year-old Maneli Junior Mongoya, affectionately known as Gogo Maneli, has cast a long shadow over the community of Ramotse in Hammanskraal, north of Tshwane. Her death, discovered on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, has ignited a fierce demand for justice and brought into sharp focus the escalating violence against South Africa's elderly population. Gogo Maneli, an aunt to ActionSA President Herman Mashaba, was found killed in her home where she lived alone, a detail that underscores the vulnerability of many older persons in the country.
The community's anguish was palpable as four suspects, aged between 29 and 38, appeared in the Moretele Magistrates Court on Thursday, 11 June. They face grave charges including rape, murder, and housebreaking. The sight of the accused in court was a painful experience for Gogo Maneli's family. Her granddaughter, Merriam Molomo (41), expressed the family's deep distress, stating, "We wanted to face the suspects. It was so painful to see them in court. We don't want bail for the killers."
Florah Gwezela (75), Gogo Maneli's sister, echoed the family's profound grief and anger, asserting that those responsible for her sister's death did not even deserve prison, but rather a death sentence. Seabela Mashaba (80), another relative, spoke of the enduring pain. "It will take time for me to forget how my aunt was brutally killed. I was the first to be called to my aunt's house," he recounted.
The fear gripping Ramotse residents is undeniable. Community member Zodwa Khoza articulated this sentiment, saying, "We are heartbroken by gogo's death. We are even scared to walk at night. Why did they kill gogo? We want justice for her." This incident is not an isolated one in Hammanskraal, according to Thabang Sebotsane, ActionSA Greater Hammanskraal constituency chairman and councillor. He highlighted a disturbing trend of abuse against women and the killing of children and elderly persons in the area. Sebotsane confirmed Gogo Maneli's relation to Herman Mashaba and stressed that the suspects deserved a harsh sentence.
Kgomotso Mabobo, regional chairwoman of the ActionSA Women's Forum, voiced a broader societal concern, stating, "Our justice system is failing us. We are tired of gender-based violence." Meanwhile, Gauteng police spokeswoman Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that a case of murder and rape was opened at Themba Police Station on Wednesday, 3 June, with investigations ongoing. The case has been postponed to 23 June.
A Disturbing Pattern: Other Recent Tragedies
The murder of Gogo Maneli is a stark reminder of the pervasive violence threatening South Africa's older citizens. Several other incidents in 2026 alone highlight this alarming trend, painting a grim picture of the dangers faced by the elderly across the nation.
In a particularly disturbing case in the Eastern Cape in May 2026, a 75-year-old woman named Nokhansala Sidiki was brutally killed after being accused of witchcraft. Reports indicate that she was attacked and drowned in Zadungeni, eNgcobo, with her own family members allegedly involved. Two female suspects have been arrested in connection with this horrific crime, which underscores the continued prevalence of harmful superstitions and mob justice in some communities.
Another shocking incident unfolded in Cape Town in March 2026, where 63-year-old Aletta Rose was accused of murdering her 79-year-old sister, Constance “Connie” Scholtz, by decapitation. The case, which has been postponed multiple times, revealed that Rose had a prior conviction for murdering her brother-in-law in 1997. This tragic event highlights not only the vulnerability of the elderly but also the complex and often violent dynamics that can exist within families.
In June 2026, police in Orkney apprehended a suspect for the gruesome murder of a pensioner. While specific details of this case are still emerging, it adds to the growing list of violent crimes against older individuals.
Beyond individual acts of violence, statistics from organisations like AfriForum indicate a worrying vulnerability among the elderly, particularly in farm attacks. A report from April 2026 highlighted that individuals older than 61 years are disproportionately affected, with 54% of all known victims in farm attacks being in this age bracket. This suggests that older persons are often targeted due to perceived frailty and potential isolation, making them easier victims for criminals.
The Broader Context of Violence in South Africa
The incidents involving Gogo Maneli and other elderly victims are part of a wider crisis of violence in South Africa. The country grapples with high levels of crime, including gender-based violence, which disproportionately affects women and children, and by extension, elderly women. The calls from ActionSA representatives for a more effective justice system resonate with many citizens who feel that current measures are insufficient to protect vulnerable groups.
These crimes not only rob individuals of their lives but also strip communities of their sense of safety and security. The fear expressed by Zodwa Khoza in Ramotse is a sentiment shared by many across the nation, particularly those in areas where such brutal acts have become increasingly common. The elderly, who should be enjoying their golden years in peace and dignity, are instead living in apprehension, constantly looking over their shoulders.
A Call for Action and Protection
The tragic deaths of Gogo Maneli, Nokhansala Sidiki, Constance Scholtz, and the unnamed Orkney pensioner serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for enhanced protection for South Africa's elderly. It necessitates a multi-faceted approach involving law enforcement, community initiatives, and governmental policies.
There is a critical need for increased police visibility in vulnerable communities, swifter judicial processes, and harsher penalties for those who prey on the elderly. Furthermore, community-based programmes aimed at fostering vigilance, neighbourly support, and challenging harmful beliefs like witchcraft accusations are essential. Education and awareness campaigns can also play a vital role in changing societal attitudes towards older persons and ensuring their safety.
As the cases progress through the courts, the nation watches, hoping that justice will be served for these victims and that meaningful steps will be taken to safeguard the lives and dignity of all elderly South Africans. The current climate of fear is unsustainable, and a concerted effort is required to restore peace and security to those who have contributed so much to society.
